GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. — The website used words such as rustic and old-world style accommodations for the lodge, but somehow I read that as charming and romantic.

When I arrived at the Lake McDonald Lodge, I was disappointed to find the $179 room minuscule, the walls paper-thin and the overall feel dingy.

But it was my own fault. When staying at historic inns, there is a cardinal rule: Do your homework.

The only characteristic that historic inns share is that they are old. Some have been updated; some have not, which appeals to purists.

Knowing what to expect is the best defense against disappointment, said Linda Cassell, regional manager for Backroads, a travel company.

“We try to be really clear about what the lodging is like,” she said, “highlighting what is nice and great about it, with realistic expectations.”

Dan Hansen, a spokesman for Glacier Park Inc., which runs the Lake McDonald Lodge for the National Park Service, noted that the facility was “completely modern” when it opened in 1914. The rooms in the main building received some upgrades through the years, but nothing major in the past decade.

“A stay in them today is turning back the clock to a different era,” he said. “We work with the National Park Service to preserve the natural feel of the property so guests can receive a truly historic experience.”

He also noted that the website and brochures have “lots of pictures and accurate descriptions.”

Reading the fine print — and not romanticizing what it says — is one way to ensure you enjoy your stay at a historic inn.

But to get the inside scoop, I asked Keith Stephens, whose company runs the Mimslyn Inn in Luray, Va. The 82-year-old inn was closed for a year in 2007 while it underwent a $3.5 million renovation.

• Check online reviews. But if you’re looking at TripAdvisor, remember that the star ratings are based on the lodging’s popularity, not the level of luxury. A historic inn with a four- or five-star rating means those who stayed there loved it, but in the case of historic properties, those travelers may be a self-selected group who pick places with a lot of character and are willing to overlook the lack of modern amenities.

• If the property claims to be renovated, ask what was done.

• Make sure you are clear on the terms used on the websites and in brochures. For instance, a European-style hotel often means one with a shared bath down the hall.

• Do the rooms have individual climate controls?

• Do the guest room doors have an electronic lock or a key? Keys can be duplicated for illegal re-entry, but electronic locks — while not fool-proof — are re-coded between guests.

• Does the building have a sprinkler system or other fire protection?

• Even within an inn, guest rooms differ, so ask for specifics about the room, and bathroom, you’ve reserved.

• If you’ll need a cot for an extra guest, confirm it will fit in the room.

• What is the view like? Does the air-conditioning unit obstruct it?

• How close is the guest room to the lobby and restaurants where noise might be an issue? On the other hand, getting a room on a top floor, away from common space, means climbing stairs if there is no elevator.

• If cable TV, Wi-Fi, coffee makers, hair dryers or cellphone service are important to you, confirm their availability.